If you are planning a move in Surrey, White Rock or other BC Lower Mainland locations it can be so easy getting caught up in all the planning, paperwork and decision making that is involved. For all my clients with children I like to remind them that moving can be stressful and full of uncertainty when you’re young.

Involve Your Kids in Finding a New House

The best thing to do is be aware of your children’s feelings and have some ways to ease the transition of changing homes, neighborhoods, friends, parks and schools. Here are some ideas on how to make moving easier on your children

Plan to Move During the Summer if Possible

Plan a family meeting and get everyone involved in writing your “wish list”. This can help your kids feel involved and

This week I’ve been searching the web for some of the most creative, off-the-wall and out of the ordinary ideas to market your home particularly in a buyer’s market or for when you want to sell it fast. Whether you are just getting ready to sell your house or are becoming a little impatient after months of showings, would you be willing to give any of these ideas a try?

1. Add a Non-House Related Incentive

Consider including paying the first year’s property tax, including a free weekend away or even supplying a years’ worth of coffee, beer or house cleaning services. Does your home have a pool? You could offer to cover the first year's maintenance fees. These type of incentives can be much more meaningful than reducing the price by a few thousand

Most of the real estate articles in Canadian newspapers this week talk about a “cooling” real estate market; how Canada’s hot housing market is showing signs of slowing down.

However, Canada is diverse in so many ways including its real estate market. This is because each regional economy can drive housing pricings and demand.

An article posted by Business Review Canada late last week points out there are still vibrant real estate “jewels” in small to mid-sized towns. This is because housing prices are generally more affordable and spurred by growing local economies, which are usually predictable and stable.

Of the four top cities named in the article, British Colombia represented two: Surrey, BC and Maple Ridge/ Pitt Meadows, BC.

Why the

One thing that will never change in the real estate industry is people's differing views on where the market is headed. With this topic constantly coming up in conversation with clients and colleagues, an article in the Vancouver Sun last week caught my attention.

Just the title of the article (Vancouver home sales for July fall to lowest level since 2000) is enough to instill a little panic. Falling sales!? Lowest since 2000!?

The title is true. Based on statistics reported on Thursday by the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) property sales in Vancouver are at a low: